"Hey Kel! Good evening yesterday?"
She moved the phone to her other ear, to try and drown out the noise of 15 children all vying for her attention.
"...Yes Louise, you do have to wear that outfit, no you can't put your crocs on with it... Sorry Steve, last night? Yes it was ok thanks. I was sitting next to some guys who were dull as though."
Steve laughed.
"That's not what I meant. I'm talking about after that. How was your night with Lin?"
She quickly walked out of the room.
"How the hell did you know about that? Oh wait! Mark obviously. Isn't he supposed to have signed an official secrets act or something?"
Steve chuckled.
"He hasn't said anything! I just had £50 landing in my account last night."
Kelly shook her head.
"Fucking unbelievable! You're telling me you had a bet with Mark, over me and Lin getting together. I'm your bloody sister Steve! Where's your loyalty?!"
"Hey I won didn't I! Don't fret I won't say anything to anyone. So, was it good?"
"Oh shut up! Are you still coming tonight?"
"Yes or no Kel, that's all I need"
"Fuck sake, yes. You happy now!
Are you still coming tonight?"
He laughed.
"Yes we're all coming together, the taxi is picking us up at 6.15 so we'll see you at 6.45. Should give us enough time to get settled before the show starts."
"Ok I'll see you later. Lin's coming too. You embarrass me and I swear to God....."
"Lin's coming too? The kids will go mad!"
"I know. I haven't told them yet."
"You two make a really cute couple"
Kelly sighed.
"We're not a couple Steve. How can we be. He goes back home tomorrow, look I better go. I can see Paul chasing Zedane round with a plastic sword. It can't end well!"
Steve laughed. "See you later"
Lin finished his packing as much as he could and got changed into some jeans and a hoodie.
He booked a taxi and went down to the hotel bar to grab a quick drink and FaceTime Chris.
"Hey bro! Looking good man!"
Lin frowned.
"I've only got a hoodie on?"
"I didn't mean that, I meant YOU are looking good. Your face is full of sparkle. It's great to see."
Lin laughed at him.
"Thanks pal. I do feel good. Just wish it could continue."
Chris screwed his eyes up in question.
Lin sighed.
"It's ok, ignore me, just feeling a bit blue about coming home I guess."
Chris nodded.
"How is Kelly? Lac said you two disappeared together last night."
"Oh he did, did he! Is nothing secret!"
He laughed. "She's fine, more than fine. She's... never mind. It doesn't matter anyway."
"Some long distance relationships thrive if the work is put in."
Lin shook his head.
"No, it's too far Chris. We're both busy, her career is just about to blow up. I'm going to enjoy the time we've got left and maybe see her when she comes over to NY or I come back here. As long as neither of us are seeing anyone else obviously."
He looked at the floor and tried to smile.
Chris sighed.
"I'm sorry man. I feel as though you've found your soul mate, just at the wrong place wrong time. There will be someone out there who will tick all the boxes. I'm sure she's just round the corner."
